New Delhi, July 13: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s recent remarks on the concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” have sparked a political and religious controversy, drawing criticism from several Muslim clerics and Opposition leaders, while reigniting debate over religion and constitutional values.
Speaking at a public event over the weekend, Ramdev said that minorities should not fear the idea of a “Hindu Rashtra” and claimed that people of different faiths share common ancestors.
Recalling a visit to an Islamic seminary in Deoband in 2009, Ramdev said:
“Our religions may differ, but our ancestors are the same. There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a Hindu Rashtra.”
He further claimed that the ancestors of all communities were “Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedics” and said the concept should not be viewed with apprehension.
Several Muslim religious leaders criticised the remarks, stressing the importance of constitutional values and communal harmony.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said religious leaders should promote love, harmony and mutual respect rather than make statements that could create divisions.
Shia cleric Saif Abbas said every individual has the constitutional right to practise and follow their own religion, adding that religious leaders should avoid making statements that may deepen differences.
Yasoob Abbas of the All India Shia Personal Law Board also called for promoting unity and harmony irrespective of religion.
Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned the rationale behind raising the issue of a Hindu Rashtra.
He asked why divisions were being created if everyone was believed to share the same ancestry, saying the focus should instead be on unity.
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh said he agreed with Ramdev’s observation that people in India were not outsiders, while noting that religious conversions had taken place over centuries in different parts of the country.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan urged Ramdev to respect the Constitution and refrain from making remarks that could be perceived as divisive.
He said every citizen has the constitutional right to practise their faith and emphasised that public discourse should strengthen social harmony.
The remarks have once again brought the debate over the concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” into the political spotlight, with differing views emerging from religious leaders and political parties.
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